May 3, 2015 8:00am & 11:00am 3rd - 5th Grade
Leader BIBLE STUDY Use Week of: 1 After a long day of teaching, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. When their short sailing trip was interrupted by a violent storm, the disciples found themselves in danger with nowhere to turn except to the One who created all things. The Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake in northern Israel. It sits nearly 700 feet below sea level and is surrounded by tall hills and mountains. The geography contributes to strong downdrafts and sudden storms that can quickly overtake the lake. This type of windstorm is what the disciples faced as they crossed the sea with Jesus. Several of the disciples were experienced fishermen. They had spent significant time on the Sea of Galilee, but this storm was strong. The waves overtook the boat, and the disciples were afraid they would drown. As the disciples panicked, what was Jesus doing? He was sleeping! The disciples woke Jesus. The situation was out of their control, and perhaps they felt forsaken by God. But their reaction was full of irony: Teacher! Don t You care that we re going to die? (Mark 4:38). The disciples obviously did not know why Jesus had come to earth. Jesus had come to rescue people from sin. By dying on the cross, Jesus would truly be forsaken by God. (See Matt. 27:46.) Jesus would die the death the disciples and all sinners deserve so that they could live forever with God. Did Jesus care that the disciples were going to die? Absolutely. But He was going to rescue them from something greater than physical death by drowning. Jesus would save them from spiritual death. Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. He displayed His power over creation and demonstrated that He is truly God. God has power over the wind and the waves. (See Job 12:15; 28:25; Ps. 33:7; 107:25-30; Amos 4:13.) As you teach kids this Bible story, seize the opportunity to share the gospel. Help them understand the truth the disciples did not yet fully grasp. Who is this man? He is the Messiah, the Savior, and the Son of God. Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 1
Older Kids BIBLE STUDY OVERVIEW Session Title: Jesus Has Power Over Creation Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Big Picture Question: Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Key Passage: John 11:25-26 Unit Christ Connection: Jesus demonstrated His power over the brokenness of the world caused by the fall. U N I T 29 1 2
The BIBLE STORY Jesus Has Power Over Creation Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Jesus spent all day teaching crowds of people near the Sea of Galilee. That evening, Jesus wanted to cross over to the other side of the sea. He said, Let s cross over to the other side of the lake. So Jesus and His disciples left the crowds. They got into a boat and began sailing. Some of the people from the crowds followed in their own boats. While Jesus and His disciples traveled, Jesus fell asleep on a cushion at the back of the boat. All of a sudden, a storm came. The wind was strong, and the waves crashed into the boat. Water was coming into the boat, and the disciples were afraid! Many of the disciples were fishermen. They had survived storms on the sea before, but this storm was different. It was so strong. If the water kept coming in the boat, the boat would sink. Surely they would all drown! The disciples looked to Jesus for help, but Jesus was still fast asleep at the back of the boat. He didn t seem to even notice the storm. Did Jesus care that they were about to sink into the sea? The disciples woke up Jesus. Lord, save us! they said. We are going to die! Jesus opened His eyes and saw that His friends were afraid. He got up and spoke to the wind. Then Jesus said to the sea, Silence! Be still! At the sound of Jesus voice, the wind stopped blowing and the waves stopped crashing. Everything was calm. The disciples were safe. Jesus looked at His disciples and asked, Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith? Did the disciples not trust Jesus to take care of them? The disciples were amazed. Who is this man? they asked each other. Even the wind and the waves obey Him! Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 3
Christ Connection: Who is this man? Jesus disciples knew Jesus was a good man and a good teacher. When Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His disciples that He is also God. God rules the sea and stills its waves. (Psalm 89:9) Want to discover God s Word? Get Bible Express! Invite kids to check out today s devotional to discover more of what Jesus taught about God s kingdom. God s kingdom is unlike anything we can imagine! Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/devotionals. 4
Small Group OPENING Session Title: Jesus Has Power Over Creation Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Big Picture Question: Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Key Passage: John 11:25-26 Unit Christ Connection: Jesus demonstrated His power over the brokenness of the world caused by the fall. Welcome time Greet each kid as he arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Choose a few volunteers to tell about their favorite types of weather. Do kids prefer sunshine or dark clouds? Gentle breezes or gusty wind? Snow or rain? Wind and Waves activity page, 1 per kid pencils LOW PREP facial tissues, 1 per kid Activity page (5 minutes) Invite kids to work in pairs to play the game on the activity page Wind and Waves. Kids can play a tic-tac-toe game with a partner. Partners should take turns marking a spot on the gameboard. Instead of using X s and O s, prompt kids to draw symbols for wind or waves. The first player to mark three in a row wins! Say Wind and waves remind me of a storm. That s exactly what today s Bible story is about a storm! Get ready to find out more. Session starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Wind and waves Provide a facial tissue to each kid. Instruct kids to spread out around the room so they have plenty of space to move. Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 5
Explain that you will give two commands. When you say Wind! kids should blow their tissues into the air, trying to keep them from hitting the ground. When you say Waves! kids should hold their tissues at arm s length and wave them up and down like waves on the sea. Call out commands slowly at first, increasing speed to challenge kids to keep up. You may choose to eliminate a player whose tissue touches the floor or someone else s tissue. Say When do we usually feel wind? A strong wind often comes before or during a big storm! Wind is powerful, and it can cause a calm sea to become dangerous. Today s Bible story is about a time Jesus disciples found themselves in the middle of a storm with blowing wind and crashing waves all around them. 6-inch squares of aluminum foil, 1 per kid pennies pan of water towels for cleanup Option 2: Boat float Give each kid a 6-inch square of aluminum foil. Encourage kids to fold and shape the foil to create small boats. Allow kids to test their boats by floating them in the pan of water. Supply pennies to see whose boat can hold the most weight without sinking. Lead kids to discuss what style of boat floated the best. Which held the most weight? Say In today s Bible story, Jesus disciples found themselves in a scary situation. The waves were filling their boat with water, and they thought the boat would sink! Transition to large group 6
Large Group LEADER Session Title: Jesus Has Power Over Creation Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Big Picture Question: Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Key Passage: John 11:25-26 Unit Christ Connection: Jesus demonstrated His power over the brokenness of the world caused by the fall. leader attire beach towel or blanket Introduce the session (3 minutes) [Large Group Leader enters wearing khaki shorts or pants and a colorful shirt. Leader spreads out a beach towel or blanket on the floor.] Leader Perfect! [Turn to kids.] Oh, hey there! Don t you just love warm, sunny days? I m [your name], by the way. This is my first day of vacation. My family comes to the beach every year. I like to spend an hour or two lying on the shore, reading or watching the water or searching for Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 7
shells. Please join me! Have you ever been to the beach? What are you favorite things to do at the beach? [Allow kids to respond.] While I m here, I have a great collection of Bible stories I m going to study the next few weeks. I can t wait to tell you all about them. These stories are about how powerful Jesus is. Timeline Map Timeline map (1 minute) Point to the timeline map as you review previous Bible stories kids may recall. Leader Take a look at our timeline map. This shows us how all the stories in the Bible fit together into one big story! It was God s plan from the beginning to send Jesus to rescue people from sin. God sent Jesus to earth, and while He was here, He showed His power as God s Son. Our Bible story today is called Jesus Has Power Over Creation. Big picture question (1 minute) Leader OK, I have a challenge for you. While you listen to the Bible story today, see if you can figure out the answer to our big picture question: Who has power over creation? Now that s an interesting question. I know I certainly don t have power over creation. I can t cause rain or snow or wind. If you think you already know the answer, don t say anything just yet. Jesus Has Power Over Creation video Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Big Picture Question Slide or Poster Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Open your Bible to Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; or Luke 8:22-25. Tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video Jesus Has Power Over Creation. Leader Wow! Can you imagine how tired Jesus was? He 8
Tip: A Bible story script is provided at the beginning of every session. You may use it to guide you as you prepare to teach the Bible story in your own words. For a shorter version of the Bible story, read only the bolded text. Bible had been teaching people all day. So when Jesus and His disciples started crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fell asleep in the boat. Many of Jesus disciples were fishermen, and they had spent a lot of time on the Sea of Galilee. But when the storm came up, it was a stronger storm than they could handle. The wind was strong, and the waves crashed over the sides of the boat. The disciples were afraid! If the boat sank, they would all drown! So what did the disciples do? They turned to Jesus. They woke Him up and said, Lord, save us! Now, the disciples had been following Jesus. They knew He wasn t like other teachers, but they did not fully understand who Jesus is. Jesus woke up and saw that the disciples were afraid. He commanded the wind and the waves. What did Jesus say? Silence! Be still! And then what happened? Yes, everything was calm and the disciples were safe. Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid. If they really knew who He was and if they really trusted in Him, they shouldn t be afraid of a storm. Jesus showed His disciples that He is also God God the Son. He has power over creation. That s the answer to our big picture question! Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Say that with me. Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Using Scripture and the guide provided, explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Tell kids how they can respond, and provide counselors to speak with each kid individually. Guide counselors to use open-ended questions Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 9
to allow kids to determine the direction of the conversation. Encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian. Key Passage Slide or Poster Everlasting Life song Key passage (5 minutes) Display the key passage poster. Choose a volunteer to read it aloud, and then instruct the kids to read it aloud together. Leader Jesus said these words to a woman named Martha, the sister of Lazarus. We will hear their story in a few weeks. Point out that Jesus said that even if someone who believes in Him dies, that person will live. Ask kids to think about what Jesus meant. Jesus is more powerful than death! Leader Jesus was saying that even if a person dies physically, those who trust in Jesus will live forever with God. For believers, physical death is not the end. Jesus offers eternal life. Do you believe this? Invite kids to sing along to Everlasting Life. 10
Prayer (2 minutes) Leader This has been a wonderful day at the beach! Before you go to your small groups, let s pray. Jesus, thank You for taking care of us. We trust in You to keep us safe. Thank You for coming to earth to obey God s plan to save us from sin. We love You. Amen. Dismiss to small groups Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 11
The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. 12
Small Group LEADER Session Title: Jesus Has Power Over Creation Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Big Picture Question: Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Key Passage: John 11:25-26 Unit Christ Connection: Jesus demonstrated His power over the brokenness of the world caused by the fall. Key Passage Poster Bibles, 1 per kid Small Group Visual Pack Key passage activity (5 minutes) Display the key passage poster. Lead the group to read the key passage poster together. Then form two or three groups of kids. Instruct kids to stand with their groups to play an echo game. Begin the game by saying a short phrase from the key passage. Then point to the first group. The first group should echo the phrase you said. Then point to the second group. That group should echo the same phrase, only in a slightly lower volume. If you have a third group, point to those kids and prompt them to echo the phrase in the lowest volume. Continue until kids recite the entire key passage. If time allows, play again. Say Good job, everyone. Did Jesus mean that people who believe in Him will never die physically? (No, Jesus offers eternal life. For believers, physical death is not the end. God promises to raise us from the dead.) We will keep working to memorize our key passage over the next few weeks. Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Provide a Bible for each kid, and form three groups. Tell the groups to sit down. Instruct the first group to find Matthew 8:23-27, the second group to find Mark 4:35-41, Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 13
and the third group to find Luke 8:22-25. When kids have found their assigned verses, they should stand. Assist any kids who need help. Review the timeline in the small group visual pack. Retell or review the Bible story in your own words, or use the bolded text of the Bible story script. Read the review questions one at a time. Guide kids to look at their assigned passages. If their passage contains the answer to the question, they should remain standing. If not, they should sit down. Call on one of the standing players to answer the question. Encourage him to tell the group in which verse(s) the answer is found. 1. Why did Jesus and His disciples get into a boat? (Jesus told them, Let s cross over to the other side of the sea ; Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22) 2. What type of weather came over the sea? (a strong windstorm; Matt. 8:24; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23) 3. What did the waves do to the boat? (filled or swamped it; Matt. 8:24; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23) 4. What was Jesus doing during the storm? (sleeping; Matt. 8:24; Mark 4:38; Luke 8:23) 5. What did Jesus say to the wind and waves? ( Be still! Mark 4:39) 6. Whom did the wind and waves obey? (Jesus; Matt. 8:27; Mark 4:41; Luke 8:25) 7. Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. If you choose to review with boys and girls how to become a Christian, explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another teacher if they have questions. God rules. God created and is in charge of everything. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; Col. 1:16-17) We sinned. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23) 14
God provided. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9) Jesus gives. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so we can be welcomed into God s family. (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18) We respond. Believe that Jesus alone saves you. Repent. Tell God that your faith is in Jesus. (Rom. 10:9-10,13) LOW PREP Origami Boats paper markers (optional) paper plates Bibles marker Something Beautiful song Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Origami boats Give each kid a rectangular piece of paper and a copy of the Origami Boats instructions. Demonstrate how to create origami boats. Assist kids as necessary. You may choose to provide markers for kids to decorate their boats. Say Jesus was sleeping in a boat when a powerful storm came over the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is more powerful than any storm. Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. Keep your origami boats in your room as a reminder that Jesus has power over creation. Jesus is God s Son, and we can trust Him to take care of us. When you feel afraid like the disciples did in the storm, you can pray and ask Jesus to keep you safe. Option 2: Who Is Jesus? Write the following Scripture passages on separate paper plates: Matthew 2:2; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 14:33; Luke 9:20; Luke 9:35; John 1:29; John 3:2; John 10:11; John 14:6; Colossians 1:15. Scatter the plates across the floor. Play Something Beautiful and invite kids to move Older Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 29 Session 1 15
Note: You may invite kids to read Hebrews 8:25; 9:12 to help kids understand that Jesus is alive in heaven. around the room. When you stop the music, each child should find a paper plate to put his foot on. Explain that more than one kid may stand at each paper plate. Instruct kids to find in their Bibles the verse listed on their paper plates. Call on a few groups to share what their Bible passages say about Jesus. Then play the music and invite kids to move around again. Pause the music at random intervals, allowing time for kids to find Scripture passages in the Bible. Continue calling on kids to share how the Bible answers the question, Who is Jesus? Say Wonderful! When the disciples saw Jesus calm the storm, they asked each other, Who is this man? Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. The Bible tells us so much about Jesus. Even though Jesus is no longer on earth He is alive in heaven with God we can know about Him through God s Word. We can have faith that everything God says about Jesus in the Bible is true. 16
I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26 UNIT 29 Key Passage Poster (ESV) OK TO PRINT
Who has power over creation? UNIT 29 Session 1 Big Picture Question OK TO PRINT
Who has power over creation? Jesus has power over creation because He is God the Son. UNIT 29 Session 1 Big Picture Question OK TO PRINT
UNIT 29 Session 1 Jesus Has Power Over Creation OK TO PRINT
Instructions: Play a tic-tac-toe game with a partner. Take turns marking a spot on the gameboard. The first player to mark three in a row wins! Instead of using X s and O s, draw symbols for wind or waves. UNIT 29 Session 1 Older Kids Activity Pages
Instructions: Use the clues to complete the crossword puzzle. Across 5. What Jesus traveled in (Matthew 8:23) 6. What Jesus said to the wind and waves (Mark 4:39) 7. Weather event that happened on the lake (Mark 4:37) Words BOAT WINDSTORM WAVES UNIT 29 Session 1 Older Kids Activity Pages Down 1. What flooded the boat (Matthew 8:24) 2. What Jesus said the disciples did not have (Mark 4:40) 3. What Jesus was doing in the boat (Mark 4:38) 4. What the wind and waves did when Jesus spoke (Luke 8:25) SLEEPING OBEYED SILENCE FAITH
Origami Boat Instructions: Complete each step to create an origami boat. 1. Fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise, and then open it. 2. Fold the paper in half widthwise. 3. Fold the top two corners to the center line. 4. Fold the bottom edge of the top layer upward. Flip over the paper and repeat. 5. Pull out the sides and flatten the paper to form a square. 6. Fold up the bottom 7. Pull out the sides 8. Gently pull open 9. Flatten the paper to crease the corner to meet the top and flatten the the top corners. folds. Then slightly open the corner. Flip over the paper. paper to form a boat shape. paper and repeat. UNIT 29 Session 1 Older Kids Leader Guide OK TO PRINT